Once a teenage prodigy walking out at Old Trafford, Angel Gomes now has a few things to get off his chest — and no, it’s not just the weight of the shirt.
In a game where expectations can be as unforgiving as a dodgy VAR call, Gomes has shed some light on why many Manchester United players seem to hit their prime only after packing their bags.
And for fans wondering why United’s discarded talents suddenly turn world-class elsewhere — well, you’re not the only ones scratching your heads.
The former United midfielder, now heading to Marseille after a solid stint at Lille, believes the issue runs deeper than poor form or failed potential.
“I think some do. Players may have been intimidated or not really know about the weight, what it carries and what it takes,” Gomes told BBC Sport.
“Sometimes it’s not as black and white as they failed or they’ve not held their own there because of the weight of the shirt.”
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
It’s the sort of answer that might make United fans spill their tea. But it hits a nerve. From Scott McTominay thriving at Napoli to Antony dazzling in Spain, the post-United glow-up is becoming a trend more common than a Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Angel Gomes time at Man United
Gomes spent over a decade climbing the United ladder — academy drills, black boots only, and being reminded weekly that George Best once walked those halls. That pressure? It’s not for everyone.
“When you’re 16 and suddenly training next to Rooney or Carrick, it’s hard to just flick a switch and feel like you belong,” Gomes admitted.
His move to France turned out to be a fresh start. More than 100 senior games later — and an England debut to boot — Gomes isn’t looking back. Well, except when people question whether his national team caps came from hard work or handy contacts.
“It was difficult to hear people saying it was a favor because I knew personally it wasn’t.”
Now, with a Champions League campaign ahead and the World Cup on his mind, Gomes is proving that leaving Manchester may just be the best decision he ever made.
Manchester United news and related links
